kids with teacher's gift
The end of the school year is fast approaching, and of course you’d like to thank your child’s classroom teacher in some special way. But what do teachers really want? Having been a teacher for several years before having my own children, and having spoken to countless other teachers, I’ve compiled this list of Can’t-Go-Wrong teacher gift ideas.
Personal notes. A hand-written note, along with a card made by your child is by far the best-loved teacher gift. Teachers do not expect lavish gifts. But many teachers light up when talking about the personal notes they’ve collected from students and parents. For most teachers these are keepsakes, cherished and saved for years to come. When writing a letter to your child’s teacher, be specific about what you thought was done well. Instead of writing, “You’re a great teacher!” try “I loved how you nurtured Lucy’s excitement for science with lots of hands-on activities. She still talks about the day you brought in your own rock collection to share with the class.” Consider making a copy of your letter for the principal to put in the teacher’s file.
Gift cards. Most teachers enjoy getting gift cards. Although parents often say this feels like an impersonal gift, teachers love it because they can choose what they want to buy and when. It’s a sad fact that most teachers spend more than $500 of their own money annually in purchasing classroom materials. So gift cards to chain stores like Target, Staples, and Barnes & Noble are universally appreciated. Unless you know the teacher’s diet and habits well, take care in giving gift cards for food and personal services. While most teachers would welcome a Starbuck’s card, some might not be as enthusiastic about trying the newest hotspot in raw foods cuisine. Similarly, make sure any spa services are flexible—she may look forward to a pedicure with trepidation rather than tranquility.
Food gifts. While teachers often enjoy edible gifts, food items should be non-perishable and healthy. A teacher often receives so many homemade cookies and coffee cakes that much is thrown away. And many do not like to sabotage a diet with an influx of chocolate and caramel candy. Items that can be stashed and saved for quick snacks (think energy bars, nuts, and dried fruit) are at a premium.
Class gifts. Although it often takes a bit more planning, there are many benefits to presenting a gift from the whole group. Such a gift can show off the class’s personality, reduce the financial expenditure for individual families, and avoid any pretenses of favoritism. If the group decides to go in on a gift card, the teacher can be presented with much greater buying power. (At only $5 a head, a class of 25 could give a $125 gift card, without violating district policies in most areas.) When coordinating such efforts, it is important that the gift be presented from all students, whether or not they contributed financially, and all students should have a chance to sign the group card.
Just Say No!
For most teachers, getting a gift—any gift—from a student is a wonderfully unexpected bonus. However, prevailing opinion says there are a few gifts parents should avoid. Consider the number of students a teacher has each year, think of her space limitations, and just say no to:
• Mugs and knickknacks (especially with “teacher” or “apple” iconography). Unless the teacher is ensconced in a lifelong assemblage project using “World’s Best Teacher” mugs and apple-shaped mini chalkboards, such generic teacher items are best left off your list. Worse yet are the drinking vessels and trinkets personalized with the teacher’s name. The former might get a second showing at the local Goodwill, while the latter will likely be thrown away.
• Scented lotions and candles. Not only is fragrance a very personal preference, but these items proliferate just as quickly as the mugs and knickknacks.
• Over-sized or framed pictures. It’s a nice personal touch to include a small school photo of your child with a thank you card. But the teacher will have no space (and, quite possibly, no desire) to display a framed piece.
• Candy and homemade food. Again, think of the numbers; food can pile up fast. Also consider that the teacher might be leaving town soon after school closes, or that she might be avoiding sweets and fatty foods for health reasons.